Assesing The Risk of Ice

[summerdays]

How good are studded "ice" tyres? I've never used them - can the bike still slide from under you at extreme angles, or do the studs run out to the sides far enough to stop that happening?

Brilliant IMO! It's actually fun to go out and play in snow, and nice though I'd still take it easy on ice! Just a bit noisy on tarmac.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Pedestrians can hear you coming, other cyclists too, no need for a bell

 

[classic33]

Very effective, think riding a mini, two wheeled tractor
The other morning I was cycling to work at around 6am, on the non treated path, a pedestrian warned me about the ice ahead, I did not feel any on the bike, could see it though.
Riding over metal can still make you slip.
One does not do extreme angles on icy conditions, but yes, the studs on my tyres run out to the sides.
I think there is a cheaper version with only two rows of studs in the middle.

This!

 

[mjr]

This!
View attachment 152080

It's got a motor so it's cheating. Make it electric and I'll consider it

 

[classic33]

It's got a motor so it's cheating. Make it electric and I'll consider it

Two-wheeled tractor, and most tractors are I/C these days.

 

[ufkacbln]

As your weight is spread over three wheels do you suffer from a lot of rear wheel spinning and if so do you also get tail end drift when cornering?

One of the "problems" with the Marathon Winter is they do stop that fun!

The tyres make the grip better and stop sliding

Grip is the same as a car - correct gear and take it steady then there is no issue

 

[fatjel]

I don't go out early if it's below freezing overnight as a rule,
My first winter with the trike which is kinda making me wish for snow.
As ever with cycling it's the out of control cars that present the really serious danger

 

[recycling]

I have read this thread with interest as I have been told that studded tyres will be ruined by riding on tarmac for even a short distance, the studs pulling out of the tyres.
It seems from the above posts that this is not true, or has anyone had this happen ?

 

[mjr]

I have read this thread with interest as I have been told that studded tyres will be ruined by riding on tarmac for even a short distance, the studs pulling out of the tyres.
It seems from the above posts that this is not true, or has anyone had this happen ?

Not true in general. I think the instructions said to ride them on dry tarmac for a while without sharp braking or skidding to bed the studs in, but that was the start of last winter so I may not have remembered it exactly.

Who told you that? Even icy places clear some roads, so it would limit use a lot. They're not like snow chains on cars.

 

[steveindenmark]

When it is snowy and icy it is time for the scooter to come out. I have had some of my most memorable rides on cold, crisp, sunny days where there are no cars or bikes about. The good thing about the scooter is that it is easy to get on and off. How fast does it go? Well how fast do you ride a bike on snow and ice? I can keep up with you.

 

[recycling]

Not true in general. I think the instructions said to ride them on dry tarmac for a while without sharp braking or skidding to bed the studs in, but that was the start of last winter so I may not have remembered it exactly.

Who told you that? Even icy places clear some roads, so it would limit use a lot. They're not like snow chains on cars.

That is why I was asking, as it seemed impossible to avoid mixing tarmac and ice on a ride, and I couldn't see how such tyres could be used if it were true.
With the benefit of your, and others, experience I think I may have to try some this winter.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[Racing roadkill]

Without the option of a quad / trike, there's zero chance of me riding on the road, on untreated roads, if there's a ground frost, ice, or snow. It's just not worth the risk. However, in those conditions, I'll gladly shove a mountain bike in the car, and drive somewhere with trails, then go and ride there. The 'no road bike' conditions rarely last more than a couple of weeks, in my neck of the woods anyway.

 

[summerdays]

I have read this thread with interest as I have been told that studded tyres will be ruined by riding on tarmac for even a short distance, the studs pulling out of the tyres.
It seems from the above posts that this is not true, or has anyone had this happen ?

I've had mine 5 years at least I think, on a second bike so not used daily in winter but mine still has the full set of studs and most of the time it's been ridden on icy tarmac or clear tarmac later in the day rather than snow.

 

[MontyVeda]

How good are studded "ice" tyres? I've never used them - can the bike still slide from under you at extreme angles, or do the studs run out to the sides far enough to stop that happening?

My theory for riding when it's icy is to not take any corner at a speed that will lean the bike more than a couple of degrees... very slow and very steady usually keeps me upright.

 

[mjr]

Pedestrians can hear you coming, other cyclists too, no need for a bell

The drawback of course is that you can always hear yourself coming, so playing some music on the loudspeaker becomes more attractive, as long as it won't be spoiled by the constant rrrRRRrrrRRRrrrRRRrrrRRR....